By Mallu Metro Health Desk | June 2026
As temperatures across the UAE cross 50 degrees Celsius, the annual midday work ban is in effect from June 15 to September 15, prohibiting outdoor labour between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. For the tens of thousands of Malayali workers in construction, logistics, and outdoor services, understanding these regulations is critical for both safety and employment rights.
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) has enhanced enforcement this year, with random inspections and penalties of up to AED 15,000 per worker for companies violating the ban. Workers are encouraged to report violations through the MOHRE app or by calling 800-60.
Heat-related illness prevention goes beyond the midday ban. Medical professionals recommend drinking 500ml of water every hour during outdoor work, wearing light-coloured clothing, taking shade breaks every 45 minutes, and recognising early symptoms of heat exhaustion: dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, or muscle cramps.
Employers are required to provide cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, and cooling fans at all outdoor work sites. The ILOE (Involuntary Loss of Employment) insurance scheme, mandatory since 2023, provides a safety net for workers who lose employment due to health-related inability to work.